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Monday, April 11, 2016

Adventure and Joy

My word for
2015 was “Adventure.”
It was a year full of unknowns. We were looking for a new place of ministry, and we were expecting another move. We knew that big changes were coming for our
family that year, but we didn’t know exactly what those changes would be or when they would happen.. So before 2015 even
began, I determined to embrace the adventure and enjoy the ride!

When we moved to Minnesota four years ago, it was for a temporary pastoral position for Will
at a church here. Because we knew it was a short-term ministry position, we
began looking for a place of long-term ministry soon after arriving in
Minnesota in 2012. We have been praying that the Lord would make very clear
what He wanted us to do next, and He has made it very clear. God has closed the
door to every ministry position that appeared to be a good fit for our family.
Much to our surprise, He has led us out of vocational ministry, and He has
provided a job for Will right here in Southwest Minnesota. Will has recently accepted a full-time
position as a paralegal at a local law firm.

At this
point we are not continuing to pursue vocational ministry. The Lord has made it
clear that vocational ministry is not what He has for us right now. Although we
are very disappointed that we will not currently be engaged in full-time
ministry, we are excited to see how the Lord may use us here in Southwest
Minnesota, and we are excited for the opportunities that Will has to pursue
justice through the practice of law.

We are
grateful for the 15 years that we had in ministry and in preparation for
ministry. We trust that the Lord will continue to use our training to further
His kingdom through work and lay ministry here in Minnesota.

My word for
2016 is “Joy.” As we face changes this year, I have been working on choosing
joy. I want to enjoy this unexpected life we have been given in Minnesota. I
want to enjoy my state, my house, my family, and our life here. And when life is hard, I am looking for joy in the midst of the hard things.